Human factors guidelines for terminal interface design

Abstract

This paper provides a set of guidelines for the design of software interfaces for video terminals. It describes how to optimize screen layouts, interactive data entry, and error handling, as well as many practical techniques for improving man-machine interaction. Emphasis is placed on factors relating to perceptual and cognitive psychology rather than on gross physiological concerns. Ways in which interfaces can be evaluated to improve their user friendliness are also suggested. The author summarizes many ideas that can be found in other, more comprehensive texts on the subject. These guidelines will provide practicing software designers with useful insights into some of today's principal terminal interface design considerations. © 1983, ACM. All rights reserved.